10 Things You Should Know About Taraweeh

Taraweeh prayer is one of the remarkable specialties of Ramadan nights; for the whole month, Muslims line up at night to observe a number of optional rak`at and listen to and reflect on the recitation of the Qur'an. It is a very blessed and highly spiritual experience. Below, Sheikh Sharif Faizullah highlights, in 10 points, valuable information about this prayer. #1 Taraweeh means rest and relaxation Qiayam al-Layl in Ramadan after `Isha’ is called taraweeh because righteous people before our time used to rest after every four rak`at as their prayers were lengthy. Taraweeh is sunnah mu’akkadah (a confirmed practice of our beloved&hellip;

#5 The Prophet did not assign any number for taraweeh prayer

When he was asked about night prayer, he said: “Prayers at night are offered in two followed by two. Then, if you fear dawn will come, pray witr with one.” (Al-Bukhari and Muslim)

#6 Finish taraweeh with the Imam & get the reward of entire night

The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “Whoever prays qiyam with the imam until he finishes, Allah will record for him the qiyam of a (whole) night.” (An-Nasa’i and authenticated by Al-Albani)

Do NOT leave after 8, if the imam is praying 20 or 36!

#7 The matter is wide in scope and one can pray more than 8

8 rak`at + 3 witr = Majority of hadith scholars:

20 rak`t + 3 witr = Imam Ahmad, Imam Abu Hanifah and Imam Ash-Shafi`i

36 rak`at + 3 witr = Imam Malik

#8 Quality is more important than quantity

The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) would take approximately 5 hours (sometimes whole night) to complete taraweeh (when praying 8) and he would recite slowly and carefully.

#9 Reward = all of your previous sins forgiven

The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said,

“Whoever prays during the nights in Ramadan out of sincere faith and seeking its reward from Allah, will have all of his previous sins forgiven.” (Al-Bukhari and Muslim)

#10 Do not be too sensitive in matters of scholarly differences

The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said:

“Religion is easy; whoever overburdens himself in religion will be overpowered by it (i.e. he will not be able to continue in that way.)

So pursue what is good moderately; try to be near to perfection (if you cannot attain it); and receive the good tidings (that you will be rewarded).

Gain strength by worshiping in the mornings, the afternoons, and some part of the night’s last hours.” (Al-Bukhari)